Pinnacles is the newest national park in the US. It was created by an act of congress in 2013. It was set aside as a national monument in 1908 by Theodore Roosevelt making it one of the oldest monuments. Reaching national park status has increased its visibility substantially. It is located inland from the central California coast south of Hollister. The area is classic California with hills with scattered oaks golden brown in the Fall. Vineyards and cattle ranchos dot the landscape. This area is very sparsely populated.

Our nation’s newest national park

Classic California hills

Early 20th century rancho

The park itself features rock spires and caves formed by huge boulders tumbled into canyons. The caves are home to bats and the park has deer. People come to the park to hike, picnic, camp and rock climb. With over 30 miles of trails, Pinnacles in the Fall is great for hiking. We visited October 29-31, 2016.